Ever wonder if having two dental insurance plans means double the coverage, or just double the confusion? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves covered by more than one plan, whether through their employer, a spouse or a secondary policy they’ve purchased on their own. While it might sound like a fast track to free dental care, that’s not exactly how it works. Dual dental coverage can help lower your out-of-pocket costs, but it comes with its own set of rules and limitations.
Here’s how it works, and what you should know before counting on twice the benefits:
Can You Have Multiple Dental Insurance Plans? Understanding Dual Coverage
Yes, you can have multiple dental insurance plans—this is often called dual coverage dental insurance. But having two dental plans doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get double the benefits. Instead, the two plans coordinate to determine how much each will pay, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does it Mean to Have Multiple Dental Insurance Plans?
If you’re wondering, “Can you have two insurances?” the answer is yes. Many people do!
Common scenarios include:
- You’re covered through your own job and also through your spouse or domestic partner’s plan.
- Both parents cover a child under their respective dental plans.
- You buy additional dental insurance to help cover extra costs.
When this happens, one plan is considered primary coverage, and the other is secondary coverage.
How Dual Coverage Works
When you have more than one dental insurance plan, insurance companies use a process called coordination of benefits (COB). COB is the guide that insurance companies, like Delta Dental of Arizona, follow to determine how much each dental plan will pay. When dental insurers coordinate benefits, their goal is to make sure that the combined payments from your dental plans do not exceed 100% of the dentist’s charges.
Here’s how it works:
- The primary plan pays first, covering the services according to their benefits.
- The secondary plan reviews what’s left and may cover part (or all) of the balance.
Important: Having two plans doesn’t mean double the coverage. For example, if both plans cover two cleanings per year, you won’t automatically get four.
What Is Non-Duplication of Benefits?
A common rule in dental insurance is the non-duplication of benefits clause. This means the secondary plan will not pay if the primary plan already paid the same or more than what the secondary plan allows.
Example:
- A cleaning costs $100.
- Your primary plan pays $80.
- If your secondary plan has a non-duplication clause, it may not cover the remaining $20.
This rule exists to prevent insurance companies from overpaying and to keep premiums affordable.
Pros and Cons of Having Two Dental Insurance Plans
Benefits of Multiple Dental Insurance Plans
- Potential to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Backup coverage if a treatment isn’t covered by one plan.
- Extra peace of mind when unexpected dental needs arise.
Drawbacks of Multiple Dental Insurance Plans
- Non-duplication of benefits may mean no extra savings.
- More paperwork and possible delays in claims processing.
- You may be paying for extra dental insurance you don’t fully need.
Final Takeaway
Yes, you can have multiple dental insurance plans, but having two doesn’t mean double the benefits. Rules like non-duplication of benefits limit how much the secondary plan will cover, so it’s important to know your policies.
To make the most of your coverage:
- Review your plan documents carefully.
- Ask your dentist’s office how claims are processed.
- Contact us if you have any specific questions.
FAQS About Multiple Dental Insurance Plans
Can I buy extra dental insurance?
Yes. Some people purchase additional dental insurance to help with services not fully covered under their primary plan, such as orthodontics or implants.
Can I buy additional dental insurance?
Yes, but weigh the costs carefully. It may not always save you money if your existing plan already provides robust coverage.
How many cleanings does dental insurance cover if I have two plans?
Most dental plans cover two preventive cleanings per year. Having two plans doesn’t double that to four cleanings—you’ll still be limited to what your primary plan allows, with the secondary plan only filling gaps in costs.
Can an in-network dentist charge more than insurance allows?
No. If your dentist is in-network, they’ve agreed to accept the insurance company’s allowed amount as full payment. You’ll only be responsible for deductibles, copays or uncovered services.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, but not all. Check your plan details or contact your insurance provider.
Can I be covered by two health insurance plans at the same time?
Yes, just like dental, you can have dual medical coverage (for example, through your employer and a spouse). The same coordination of benefits rules apply.
What happens if my spouse and I both have dental insurance?
One plan will be primary, usually the one you receive through your employer. The spouse’s plan typically acts as secondary. This can help reduce costs, but remember that non-duplication rules apply.
